This Jesus

In Mark 8:27 Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" The Lord is still asking that question, and here are some ways in which people today are answering Him.

A playwright says that he's quirky as "Jesus at Guantanamo" makes a political statement. "This Jesus is quirky and self effacing. Warning: mature themes and strong language."

A Methodist church bulletin says that Jesus is a teacher who taught us to pray, "Our Mother, who art in heaven."

A political ad campaign launched by a liberal church ("All sin is OK.") says that Jesus is not the Jesus that Christians profess. "The Bible shows a very different Jesus than the one portrayed by conservative Christianity," the web site states.

An Italian filmmaker says that Jesus is a Coke drinker. The film depicts Jesus quenching his thirst with Coke while his companion, "God, what a great endorsement!"

When we compare the world's thoughts and ideas about who Jesus is with the Jesus whom the apostle Paul preached, images crumble. There is no other Jesus! "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ," says Paul (Acts 17:3.)

The entire book of Acts forcefully presents the real Jesus and the word "this" is used often to make sure we differentiate between the real and the false.

This Jesus was foretold by Moses and all the prophets and fulfills Old Testament prophecies. This Jesus is of Nazareth. This Jesus is the Son of the living God, God's anointed, holy and persecuted Servant Jesus. This Jesus is the stone that the builders rejected. This Jesus suffered, was crucified and died. This Jesus was raised from the dead, taken up into heaven and is exalted and glorified at the right hand of God. This Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. This Jesus is preached for the forgiveness of sins. This Jesus is the Prince of life. This Jesus made the heavens and the earth. This Jesus brings genuine faith. This Jesus is the Just One. This Jesus will come again to judge the world. This Jesus is both Lord and Christ. This Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. This Jesus is the Savior of the world. This Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings! (Revelation 17:14)